Plot a strategy to overcome bad press, attract FDI

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Malaysia's fall from the list of top 25 destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) from its previously-held 22nd position is due to not only economic but also perception problems.

The uncertainty of leadership transition, terrorism fears, and complexity of the business and politics symbiosis attributed to its fall. Such fears can be allayed by good public relations and sensitivity to international sentiments.

Regionally, sensitivity to the investment climate is required when announcing any form of militancy threat. Singapore's outright announcement of a militancy threat to Asean by religious extremists is neither advantageous to the republic nor neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia. There must be a more subtle and sophisticated way of managing such damaging news. Ditto for national news.

We have no choice but to exercise better prudence in issuing visas to visitors from nations blacklisted by the international community since we can ill afford to be falsely accused of hosting potential terrorists and the ensuing adverse publicity. Capping their inflow and vigilant monitoring of activities on our soil may prevent any possible militant networking.

PAS' support for persons and organisations categorised as terrorists by the international media also threatens our investment climate. The Terengganu hudud laws reminiscent of the Taliban rule in Afghanistan are also a factor because women would be highly marginalised. The persecution of writers accused of denigrating Islam by PAS-backed clerics is another black dot forging the image of rising extremism.

So is the continuing saga of our existence as a moderate Islamic state since fiery rhetoric and dramatic antics to oppose the middle-ground declaration may mean potential political instability to investors. Instead of expressing support for Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the next PM, the series of damaging write-ups questioning his ability to lead was the straw that broke the camel's back for investors.

The rising preference for attire based on religious beliefs is also sending signals to potential investors that extremism and militancy is on the rise. It will serve us better if we revert to our elegant traditional costumes instead. People who wear and sell items supporting terrorism also do harm to our image and drive investors away.

Islam had nothing to do with the wrath wrought on us by the Sept 11 attacks. Extreme anger and rhetoric at the US policies did. Innocent as we were, it did not spare us from being unfairly blacklisted as a potential terrorist nation. Given our precarious position, we have to be more adept in managing our international image, what with the increasing scarcity of FDIs.

At a time when the share of FDIs for developing nations are being diverted to China, the ability to handle negative investment news is most crucial. All Malaysians need to eradicate practices — private and public — that scare away foreign investors, failing which we will have to prepare to abandon our dream of a developed nation.



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